Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the US, and can affect patients of all ages, many of who do not experience any symptoms and may not be aware that they have the disease. Glaucoma actually refers to a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve as a result of increased pressure within the eye and other factors.
While there is no cure for glaucoma, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing further damage from occurring through ongoing care. Most cases of glaucoma can be treated with eye drops, laser or microsurgery. The best treatment for your individual condition depends on the type and severity of the disease, and can be discussed with your doctor.